Travemünde Week: Star boats with a big presence in the north

The Starboat sailors determine their German champion off Travemünde. They have also included the regatta in the circle of Big Three events - a Grand Prix series of selected events in Germany and neighbouring countries. This means that the stars of the scene are expected in Travemünde - including Max Kohlhoff and Ole Burzinski from Kiel and Flensburg, who were crowned world champions in 2023.

"We want to increase the attractiveness of the regatta calendar with the Big Three events. Traditionally coveted trophies move to different venues," says Helge Spehr, captain of the Kiel fleet and one of the driving forces behind the activities in the Association of German Starboat Fleets (VDS).

This year, the series of top three events will tour from the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands in May to Travemünde in July and Lake Garda/Italy in November. The winner of the series enjoys a status comparable to that of the winner of the German Championship. This means that the start at the Travemünde Week is valuable for the Starboat sailors in several ways.

Regatta and celebrate

In addition to the regatta honours, the class is also concerned with team spirit, which is to be strengthened by an ambitious supporting programme. "We expect high-quality race management in Travemünde, but we also want to enjoy the days with the class with good food and drink. We are delighted that the Heinz Nixdorf Association is supporting us in organising the Big Three events," says Helge Spehr.

The class is expecting many starters, especially from northern Germany. The potential number of entries is estimated at 40 to 60 boats. In addition to the reigning world champions Kohlhoff/Burzinski, Heiko Winkler/Uwe Thielemann from Schwerin are also among the contenders for the IDM title. International competition is expected with Jörgen Schönherr/Markus Koy (Denmark/Germany), Flemming Sörensen (Denmark), Ard van Aanholt (Netherlands) and Piet Eckert from Switzerland. "The German Championship is scheduled three weeks after the Eastern Hemisphere Regatta off Eckernförde. As the Kiel fleet, we want to ensure that many starters can leave their boats in the north and come to the IDM. There is even the idea of a trailer shuttle from Eckernförde to Travemünde," says Spehr.

Getting young people on board

The Starboat Association is working hard to make its class more attractive. A few years ago, for example, a support programme was launched for young sailors who can try out the Starboat on the association's boats at low cost. And the Travemünde Week is a good opportunity to continue advertising. Spehr: "We want to show ourselves. And the Travemünde Week is a good opportunity to present ourselves to young sailors and show them what a cool boat the Starboot is."